Automatic retractable shade

ABSTRACT

An automatic retractable shade unit for an automotive vehicle. The unit uses a pleated shade section with a solar reflective coating on at least the outside facing portion of the shade. A thin mounting case is used to removably mount the case in close proximity to nonparallel side posts of the automotive vehicle. A spring bias in combination with retractable cord means allows the shade to be opened and closed against the bias of the spring. The removable fastener mountings used with the invention permit the entire unit to be removed from the front windshield of the vehicle and to be repositioned on another window in the vehicle as desired. The pleated shade section may be closed over the windshield to allow the bottom of the shade to expand more than the top because of the nonparallel sides. The novel construction and positioning of the applicant&#39;s shade unit provides a device that has the advantage of quickness and ease of use over prior art devices. As such, the driver of the automotive vehicle is more apt to use the novel shade unit on a regular and routine basis thereby further protecting the vehicle&#39;s interior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an automatic retractable shade andmore particularly to a new and novel shade unit for use in automobilesto protect the inside of a parked automobile from the deleterious effectof solar radiation, with the unit also being adaptable to other uses inthe automobile during its operation.

It is known that solar heat buildup in a closed automotive vehicle cancause the inside of the vehicle to reach extremely high temperatures.This heat buildup places a heavy load on the vehicle's air conditionerand is very uncomfortable to occupants as they enter the closed vehicle.

Solar damage from ultraviolet light coming through the windshield alsocauses damage to the dashboard and can destroy plastic and fabric mostoften used in a vehicle. Once the vehicle is being operated, the heatbuildup can usually be removed by the vehicle's air conditioner or byopening the vehicle's side windows.

However another problem then becomes readily apparent. On long trips ina vehicle with children or other adults in addition to the driver, thesolar radiation may also be undesirable through the vehicle's sidewindows, especially when the vehicle is travelling north or south in theearly mornings and late afternoon.

Various devices have been tried in the past with some degree of success.The modern trend is to use a folded or pleated piece of cardboard whichis positioned on the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle andleans on the dashboard, being held at the top by the vehicle's sunvisors. Because of the many various sizes and shapes of windshields,this solution is only partly effective since the cardboard is usuallyonly made in one size. In addition, the cardboard does not generallyreflect solar heat but instead tends to absorb it causing additionalheat transfer by conduction.

Another problem with the cardboard device is the large unprotected sideareas of the windshield caused by nonparallel windshield posts. Mostmodern vehicle windshields are constructed in an isosceles trapezoidshape with equal length nonparallel sides and unequal length paralleltop and bottom edges. Such a shape requires an acceptable device to beable to conform to the shape without extensive complicated mountingbrackets.

The problem of side window solar radiation while the vehicle is beingoperated is oftentimes minimized by hanging a towel or largehandkerchief along the window after opening the window and positioningthe top of the handkerchief in the closed window. Some solar radiationis blocked by this method but the solution also is aestheticallyunappealing.

Various window shade devices are known in the art as typified by theU.S. Pat. No. 289,573, to W. C. Scott, issued on Dec. 4, 1883. Thisdevice is simply a pleated window shade with a pull cord to raise andlower the shade in the window. A modified type window shade is taught inthe U.S. Pat. No. 1,289,281, to W. S. Shaft, issued on Dec. 31, 1918.This pleated window shade is adjustable by cords at the top and bottomto various positions on the window. The modifications of these windowshades to an automotive vehicle would result in a device which would bevery cumbersome to operate, especially where two shades were mounted onopposite sides of the windshield.

A temporary curtain for covering a home window is taught in the U.S.Pat. No. 3,913,655, issued on Oct. 21, 1975. This device is a pleatedpaper drapery that is used temporarily by a new homeowner or renteruntil he can purchase the more expensive pre-made fabric materials. Thisdevice, while satisfactory for its intended use, would not be acceptablefor use on an automotive windshield since no spring bias retractiondevice is incorporated which would result in cumbersome and bulky tiesbeing needed to hold the device in an open position which would notobstruct the driver's normal vision while operating the vehicle.

Various spring biased mounting devices are known for use with homewindow shades as typified by the U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,816, to C. L. Yu,issued on June 3, 1980. Mounting such a device parallel to an angledwindshield post would cause the shade to come out of the roller at anangle to the vehicle's dashboard. In order to compensate, the rollermust be mounted perpendicular to the dashboard which would require bulkymounting brackets that would cause vision obstruction to the driver.

Side curtains or shades have been used in older automobiles of the earlyvintage type having no side windows. One typical side shade is taught inthe U.S. Pat. No. 1,168,343, to E. Smith, issued on Jan. 18, 1916. Thiscurtain is a pleated device with transparent panels 19 which aredesigned to presumably prevent rain, snow or air from entering the opensides of the vehicle while it is being operated. The curtain is pulledalong a wire 14 or cable and is swung upwardly to clear the door spacewhen not used. The transparent panels 19 would admit solar radiation andas such this device would not be acceptable as a windshield cover. Otherproblems with this device also make it unacceptable to solve the beforementioned problems.

Another type of side curtain or shade is taught in the U.S. Pat. No.1,409,541, to E. R. Jaeger, issued Mar. 14, 1922. The device uses apleated shade which moves on vertical rods and would be impossible toadapt to a front windshield. Transparent slits 23 or sections aredesigned to let in light which would negate their use on a frontwindshield to prevent the effects of solar radiation.

A horizontally mounted roller glare shield for use on a vehiclewindshield is taught in the U.S. Pat. No. 1,648,994, issued to E. F.Pitman on Nov. 15, 1927. A semitransparent curtain is used and is heldin an open position by a vacuum cup 11. To adapt this device to a modernautomotive vehicle would expose a major portion of the dashboard tosolar radiation since a modern vehicle generally has an outwardly slopedwindshield at the bottom thereof. The patented device would be usable ona vintage automobile with a generally vertical windshield but could notbe easily adapted to a sloped windshield.

A detachably outside mounted protective curtain for windshields toprevent accumulation of ice, snow or frost is taught in the U.S. Pat.No. 2,723,714, issued to M. R. Moore on Nov. 15, 1955. A conventionalwindow shade roller with a plastic planar surface on the curtainfunctions as designed but could not be adapted for inside mounted solarradiation prevention on nonparallel side post windshields of modernconstruction as previously discussed.

A modern device to attempt to solve the solar radiation problem istaught in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,245, issued on Dec. 24, 1985, to P. I.Sarver. This device is an internally positioned heat transfer inhibitingcurtain that is positioned folded on the dashboard when not used and islifted upwardly when in use, being held by fastener strips 28 and 30 ofthe knit loop and hook type commonly known as Velcro brand types. Thisdevice will partially or totally obstruct the vehicle's defroster ventson the top of the dashboard. Should the vehicle windshield quickly fogup, as often happens while being driven, a dangerous situation wouldpresent itself as the driver tries to remove the device to allow thedefroster vents to operate. Also referred to in this patent is acompletely removable curtain that is externally stored. U.S. Pat. No.4,109,957 apparently is a device for solar radiation prevention which isconstructed of cloth material to reduce solar radiation.

The effectiveness of any device to protect against solar radiation isonly as good as the person who uses the device. The simplicity of anydevice may be useful in getting the driver to discipline himself orherself to position the device every time one leaves the vehicle. Themodern folded cardboard devices can often be seen lying on the back seatof the vehicle after the driver has left without the device beingpositioned in the windshield area, thus destroying the effectiveness ofthe device.

The best device would than be one that can be closed in place across thewindshield, quickly and with very little effort and one that can also beopened quickly without effort so that its use is as simple as thebuckling of a seat belt. Such a device would then be used more often bythe driver and accordingly the interior of the vehicle would be betterprotected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome problems inherent in prior art devices that wouldprevent their adaptation to modern automotive vehicles, there isprovided by the subject invention a new and novel automatic retractableshade unit which is removably mounted near the inside of anonparallel-sided windshield post, but does not restrict the driver'svision. The novel device is formed with a pleated shade section having asolar reflective material formed on the outside facing surface.

The pleated shade section in combination with the novel mounting casepermits the applicant's novel shade unit to be closely mounted to thenonparallel even length sides of the automotive windshield. The pleatedsection thereby may be closed over the windshield to allow the bottom ofthe shade to expand more than the top because of the nonparallel sides.

The pleated shade section is also spring biased to return the section toan open position while the automotive vehicle is being operated.Fastening means in the form of a loop and hook fastener or a suction cuppermit the shade to be held closed to an adjacent surface while mountingmeans are provided on the case to removably mount the case so that itmay be moved to another location and used while the vehicle is beingoperated.

Accordingly an object and advantage of the invention is to provide a newand novel retractable solar shade that may be mounted, without extensivemounting devices, on the non-parallel side edges of a modern automotivevehicle.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new andnove solar shade that is capable of being mounted in a way that causesminimal obstruction of the driver's vision with the shade being capableof covering a major portion of the automotive windshield.

Yet another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a newand novel solar windshield shade that may be removably mounted on thefront windshield of the vehicle and then may also be moved to a side orrear window of the vehicle while the vehicle is in operation.

Still yet another object and advantage of the invention is to provide anew and novel retractable solar shade for an automotive vehicle which iscompact and relatively economical, yet functions to prevent solarradiation into the front windshield of the automobile while it is parkedand may also be removed from the front windshield and remounted on aside or rear window to perform the same function while the automotivevehicle is being operated.

Another important object and advantage of the invention is to provide anew and novel solar windshield shade that may be quickly and easilypositioned across the windshield of a vehicle with very little orminimal effort on the driver's part, thereby encouraging the driver touse the shade more, thus maximizing the protection to the vehicle'sinterior.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from a studyof the Drawings and from a reading of the Description of the PreferredEmbodiment hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the applicant's novel automaticretractable shade closed and mounted on the inside of a truckwindshield.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the novel automaticretractable shade open.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view looking from inside the truck on thedriver's side and showing the applicant's shade mounted on the inside ofthe truck windshield 12.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view, taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the mounting fastener used with theapplicant's shade.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view, taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view, taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view, taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 3showing a portion of the retracting mechanism for the applicant's shade.For purposes of clarity the lower case 52 has been removed and is notshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the spool 86 used in the retractingmechanism of the applicant's shade.

FIG. 12 is an elevational view, taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view, taken along line 13--13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 14--14 of FIG. 10,showing the center pin 88 used in the retracting mechanism of theapplicant's device.

FIG. 15 is a plan view, taken along line 15--15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged elevational view of one of the spools 86 showingthe spring bias means positioned within the spool 86 for retracting theapplicant's shade.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 17--17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a partial elevational view taken along line 18--18 of FIG. 10showing one of the applicant's automatic retractable shades showing theshade opened and showing in more detail the construction of the novelshade.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 19--19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 21--21 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of a side window of the truck of FIG. 1showing the applicant's novel shade mounted on the side window, FIG. 22is also representative of the use of applicant's novel shade on anyvertical window such as a house window or the like.

FIG. 23 is an elevational view, taken along line 23--23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a modified mounting fastener used whenthe applicant's shade is mounted on a side window of an automotivevehicle as shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the side window of FIG. 22 showing themodified mounting fasteners of FIG. 24 positioned to receive theapplicant's novel shade.

FIG. 26 is an elevational view of a modified mounting fastener used tohold the shade in a closed position on a side or rear window of theautomotive vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings in general and in particular to FIG. 1 of thedrawings there is shown an automotive vehicle 10 having a frontwindshield 12 with nonparallel side windshield posts 13 and 15. A pairof windshield wipers 14 and 16 are usually positioned on the outside ofthe windshield 12 and in some automotive vehicles, a rear view mirror ismounted at 18 on the inside of the windshield 12.

The applicant's novel automatic retractable shade unit would beremovably mounted on the inside of the windshield 12 in close proximityto the nonparallel side posts 13 and 15. When the automotive vehicle 10has a window mounted rear-view mirror at 18 then a left-hand shade 20(looking from the inside) and a right-hand shade 22 would be mounted asshown in FIG. 1. If the rear-view mirror of the vehicle were mounted onthe dashboard or above the window, then only one shade unit need be usedto extend entirely acorss the inside of the windshield 12.

When two shade units are purchased such as shown in FIG. 1, then theleft-hand shade 20 would be fixedly attached, on one side thereof, toits left-hand case 24 while the right-hand shade 22 would be fixedlyattached, on one side thereof, to its right-hand case 26. The oppositelypositioned shades 20 and 22 would be removably held together, around theinside mirror by loop and hook fasteners 28 and 30 of the type known asthe Velcro brand.

Because the shades 20 and 22 are formed in a pleated construction theyare easily positioned at 32 around the inside mirror. In FIG. 1, thespace 34 above the shades, between the shades and the upper window trim36, and the space 38 below the shades and the lower trim 40 has beenshown exaggerated for purposes of illustration. The applicant's novelshades would be designed so that the spaces 34 and 38 are covered asmuch as possible so as to minimize solar radiation entering theautomotive vehicle. Accordingly the vertical height of the shades 20 and22 will be fixed by the height of the windshield and will vary accordingto the type of windshield and how many size variations are to bemanufactured and sold.

The applicant's novel shades are spring biased, as will be laterdescribed, and are retractable by the spring bias by retractable meansin the form of an upper nylon cord 42 and a lower nylon cord 44positioned within holes (not numbered) contained within the pleats ofthe shades 20 and 22. In the preferred embodiment at least two nyloncords are used and it is within the spirit and scope of the inventionthat more or less may also be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 it can be seen that in FIG. 1 the novelshade device is in a closed position to shade the vehicle's interiorfrom solar radiation while FIG. 2 is a similar view showing the shadesopen as they may be while the vehicle is being operated. Because of theunique construction of the mounting cases 24 and 26, it can be seen inFIG. 2 how the applicant's device can be closely mounted to thenonparallel side posts 13 and 15 as used in modern automotive vehicles,thereby minimizing any obstruction of the driver's view while operatingthe vehicle. In addition the unique construction makes the deviceaesthetically attractive since it can hardly be seen when mounted asshown in FIG. 2.

Polyester monofilament cords 42 and 44 may also be desirable in place ofnylon cords. A polyester monofilament cord should wear well in directsunlight and thus improve the overall quality of the novel shade.

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown an elevational view looking frominside the automotive vehicle on the driver's side and showing theleft-hand case 24 removably mounted on the inside of the windshield 12in close proximity to the side post 13. A leather or plastic pull tab 46is used to pull the shade closed and a pair of mounting fasteners 48 areused to hold the case 24 in place on the windshield surface. Themounting fasteners are fixedly attached to the windshield surface aswill be more fully described later when referring to FIGS. 7-9 andpermit the case 24 and the oppositely mounted case 26 to be removed fromthe windshield to clean the inside of the windshield and also to mountthe shade unit elsewhere in the vehicle while it is being operated. Thefasteners 48 remain attached to the windshield 12.

The left-hand case 24 and the right-hand case 26 are similarlyconstructed in two pieces with an upper case 50 being positioned on alower case 52, being held together by a pair of screws 54 as can be seenin FIG. 4. Contained within the lower case 52 are the spring bias meansfor biasing the shade to return to its open position as will beexplained more fully hereinafter. The upper case 50 as well as thepleated shades 20 and 22 may be cut at an angle 56 at the top thereofand at an angle 58 at the bottom thereof to make the shade conform tothe particular automotive vehicle interior and to permit the shades tobe positioned as close as possible to the upper window trim 36 and thelower window trim 38 to maximize the solar reflection by the shade andto minimize transmittal of solar radiation into the vehicle 10.

The positioning of the case with the shade attached as shown anddescribed makes the applicant's novel device easily accessible to thedriver's use and hence insures that he will use it on a regular routinebasis since it can be easily and quickly closed across the windshieldand can also be quickly and easily opened when the driver returns to thevehicle.

Because of the unique compactness of the applicant's device with the useof the pleated shades and the novel mounting fastener 48, the unit maybe closely positioned to the inside surface 60 of the windshield 12,also maximizing the solar reflectivity of the novel device. The mountingfasteners 48 are fixedly held to the inside surface 60 of the windshield12 by double-sided adhesive tape at 62 or in the alternate may be heldthereto by adhesive of the type commonly used to fix rearview mirrorsonto the surface of the windshield.

Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings it can be seen that the lowercase 52 is constructed with rounded ends 64 having slots 66 designed toreceive the upper case 50. An inner wall 68 is positioned therein tohelp contain the internal spools 86 used in the spring bias of the shadeas will be described hereinafter. A raised inner surface 70 ispositioned adjacent the two holes 72 which function in conjunction withthe mounting fasteners 48.

Referring now to FIG. 6 of the drawing it can be seen how the lower case52 is constructed relatively narrow which aids in minimizing viewobstruction of the driver because the case 52 can thereby be closelypositioned to the windshield side posts 13 or 15. It can also be seen inFIG. 6 how the holes 72 are formed with parallel flat surfaces 82 and 84functioning as will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9 there will now be described the mountingfasteners 48 and how they are positioned within the lower case 52 tohold the case tightly onto the inside surface 60 of the windshield 12.The fasteners 48 would be constructed of a semisoft, unbreakable nylonor plastic material in the form shown in FIGS. 7-9 with a flat surface74 on which is positioned the double-sided tape or adhesive 62. Formedon the underside 75 of the flat surface 74 are a plurality ofprotrusions 76 having parallel flat surfaces 78 and 80 which arepositioned within the flat surfaces 82 and 84 of the lower case 52 shownin FIG. 6.

The protrusions 76 and flat surfaces 78 would be sized to allow themounting fastener to be tightly positioned within the holes 72 with theraised surface 70 bearing therein for added stability. When it wasdesired, the entire shade device could be removed from the mountingfasteners 48 which would remain tightly positioned on the inside surface60 of the windshield 12.

Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings there is shown an elevationalview, taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 3 showing the lower case 52removed and showing a portion of the retracting mechanism for theapplicant's shade. A pair of spools 86 having center holes 94, formed inthe spool's bottom 96, are positioned over center pins 88 which arefixedly attached to the upper case 50 as can be seen in FIG. 14. Thecords 42 and 44 forming the retractable means of FIG. 1 are wrappedaround the spool 86 and are positioned through a hole 92 in the uppercase and in the line guide 120 as shown in FIG. 21.

As has been before mentioned, the more preferable cord constructionwould be polyester monofilament for longer life and the applicant is notto be bound by the exact constructional details of the invention withinthe spirit and scope of his invention. The constructional details havebeen given by way of illustration only.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13 of the drawings there will be described inmore detail the construction of the spools 86. The spools 86 may beconstructed of aluminum or plastic in the preferred embodiment and haveformed thereon a flat bottom surface 96 with a center hole 94 to receivethe center pin 88 as before described. The spools 86 thereby rotate onthe center pins 88 which also function to hold one end of the springbias as will be described hereinafter.

A sloped rim 98 with V-shaped groove 100 receives the cords 42 or 44forming the retractable means of the invention. A single hole 102 isformed in the V-shaped groove as can be seen in FIG. 12. The ends 116 ofthe cords 42 or 44 are positioned through the holes 102 in the spools 86to be tied to the outer end 114 of the spring bias 110 as will bedescribed when referring to FIGS. 14-17.

The mounting of the center pin 88 to the upper case 50 is shown in FIG.14 which is a cross-sectional view, taken along lines 14--14 of FIG. 10.In a drilled and tapped center hole 106 is positioned a screw 89 whichis positioned through a hole 87 in the upper case 50 and the pin 88 totightly fix the center pin 88 to the upper case 50. A slot 104, shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 is formed in the center pin 88 and receives the innerend 112 of the spring bias 110 in the form of a coiled flat spring bias110.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 there will be seen in more detail howthe flat coil spring bias 110 is positioned in the inside of the spool86 within the inner rim 99 and around the center pin 88. The inner end112 of the coil spring bias 110 is positioned in the slot 104 while theouter end 114 of the spring bears against the inner rim 99 as can beseen in FIG. 16. The end 116 of either the cord 42 or 44 would bepositioned through the hole 102 in the particular spool 86 and wouldthen be positioned through a slot or hole formed in the outer end 114 ofthe spring. This hole is not shown in the drawings and the end 116 ofthe cords would then be knotted at 118 or fixed to the spring end 114 byother means known in the art.

It can be seen that whenever the pleated shade 20 or 22 would be closedover the windshield 12 by pulling on the tab 46, the flat coil springbias 110 would tightly wrap around the center pin 88 as the cords 42 or44 rotate the spools 86. Upon release of the shade 20 or 22 the bias ofthe spring 112 would case the spool 86 to rotate in the oppositedirection since the end 116 of the cords is fixed to the outer end 114of the spring 112.

A line guide 120 is positioned in a hole 121 in the upper case 50 andthe shades 20 or 22 as well as in the second part 126 of the upper caseas shown more clearly in FIG. 21. The line guide 120 may be constructedof ceramic, nylon or plastic within the spirit and scope of theinvention and serves to guide the cords 42 or 44 as well as to preventwear damage on the cords as they reverse direction in the area shown bythe numeral 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20 there will be described in more detail apreferred mounting of the shades 20 or 22 to the upper case 50 and themounting of the shades to stiffeners on the other end thereof. The uppercase 50 would preferably be constructed in two parts 50 and 126 so thatthe ends 123 of the shades could be juxtaposed there between as shown inFIG. 19 being tightly held therein by the screws 136 shown more clearlyin FIG. 10.

As has been before mentioned, the holes through which the cords 42 and44 are positioned have been left unnumbered in earlier views forpurposes of clarity. However there is shown in the enlarged partialelevational view a section of the pleated shades and the holes are shownenlarged and are numbered 124. FIG. 18 also shows in more detail how thecord 42 would be positioned through the holes 124 and through the lineguide 120 and would be wrapped several times around the spool 86 in theV-shaped groove 100. The end 116 of the cord would then be positionedthrough the single hole 102 of the spool 86 and would be tied to the end114 of the spring bias 110 as has before been described.

In order to permit the pleated shades 20 and 22 to be pulled closedagainst the force of the spring bias, there is provided a plurality ofstiffener sections 130, 132 and 134 between the parallel cords 42 and 44on the end 131 of the shade. The stiffener sections 130, 132 and 134 maybe formed of flexible plastic or steel having a thickness ofapproximately 0.010" and would be sewn along the sewn lines 128 showndashed in FIG. 18. In this manner the center section of the pleatedshade end 131, between the cords 42 and 44, would be reinforced to allowthe shade to be closed across the windshield 12.

One or two of the stiffener sections 132 and/or 134 may be extended tothe top and bottom of the shade end 131 and sewn thereto at 128 asdesired. When using the relatively thin shade stiffeners 130, 132 and134 sewn together and to the end 131 of the shades 20 or 22, the shadeend is able to be bent around an internal rear-view mirror as shown inFIG. 1 to tightly position the shade stiffener sections together toavoid solar radiation in this area. The tabs 46 would also be sewn intothe stiffener sections as would be the cords 42 and 44. In actualconstruction when using two spoos 86 as shown in the drawings, the cordcould actually be in one piece starting at one spool and beingpositioned through one set of holes 124 in the upper portion of theshade and then being sewn between the stiffener 130, 132 and 134 to thenbe positioned through a lower set of holes 124 to the other spool 86.Assembly procedures may also dictate that the cords be mounted in twopieces.

When using oppositely positioned right and left-hand shades 22 and 20 asshown in FIG. 1, one of the shade stiffener sections would have the hookfastener 18 sewn at 128 to the stiffener section while the oppositelypositioned shade would have the loop fastener 30 so that the twofastener sections 28 and 30 would stick or fasten together around theinside mirror.

When using a single pleated shade across the entire windshield, then thehook 28 section of the fastener could be fastened to a loop section thatpreviously had been attached to the side post 15. In the alternate, thetab 46 could be formed with a hole which would then be held by a hookattached to the side post 15 to hold the shade in an open position.Other means such as suction cups could also be used within the spiritand scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-26 there will be described how the applicant'snovel solar radiation shade may be used elsewhere in the automotivevehicle. In FIG. 22 there is shown a representation of a side or rearwindow 142 of the automotive vehicle. Since the applicant's shade isdesigned to be closed over the front windshield 12 while the vehicle isparked, then it can also be removed from the mounting fasteners 48 whilethe vehicle is being operated.

A modified mounting fastener 138, similar to the mounting fastener 48but with a suction cup 140 attached, could be used on the side or rearwindow 142 to hold the shade in a horizontal position as shown in FIGS.22 and 23. FIG. 25 shows the side or rear window with the modifiedmounting fasteners attached thereto and the fasteners would go into theholes 72 of the lower case 52 being tightly held therein by the fastenerconstruction as previously described when referring to FIGS. 6-9.

In this way, should the occupants of the vehicle be traveling and findthat sun is reflecting into the car through a side or rear window; thenthe solar shade units can be simply and quickly removed from the fixedmounting fasteners 48 positioned on the front windshield near the sideposts 13 and 15, and be repositioned on the suction cup mountingmodified fasteners 138 that would be positioned as shown in FIG. 25. Tohold the repositioned shade closed over the side window, a suction cup148 having a flat surface 144 formed thereon could be used with a hookand loop fastener 146 attached thereto. In this manner, the suction cup148 could be attached to the lower portion of the window and could befastened by the hook and loop fastener 146 to the mating fastener on thestiffener end of the shade in the vicinity of the tab 46.

When constructed thusly, the applicant's novel device has convertibilityfor being used on any of the vehicle's windows, both while the vehicleis parked and while it is being operated. The novel use of theretractable pleated shade section allows the case to be mounted close tononparallel side posts without the driver's view being obstructed andthe solar reflective pleated section, on at least the outside facingportion, virtually eliminates solar reflection destruction within theautomobile.

Should the vehicle be regularly parked in a manner where solarreflection come in the side windows as well as the front windshield,then additional shades can be purchased as used with the modifiedfasteners 138 to provide the necessary solar protection.

The preferred construction of the pleated shade would be a polyesterfiber construction with a solar reflective coating on the outsidethereof. A good quality pleated shade construction used for home andoffice windows is manufactured by the Joanna Western Mills Companyhaving a corporate office in Chicago, Ill. USA with other locationsaround the country. A mylar film coating could be used for thereflective coating and could be more opaque if desired and is generallyavailable in gold and silver colors. The outside facing solar reflectivecoating could also be printed with indicia designating advertising orwith a scenic picture to make the shade more eye appealing when closedacross the windshield. The solar coating could also have indicia printedon the exterior facing side of the shade which would designate the makeof the automobile such as BMW as is commonly used in windshieldheadliner attachments for its elite effect.

The inside facing portion of the applicant's shade could also be coloredin grey or tan for appearance purposes and could also be colored inother colors within the spirit and scope of the invention. With the useof the removable feature of the invention, the basic shade unit couldalso be removed from the automotive vehicle and be used inside a homefor a temporary use where needed such as on a sliding patio door or thelike.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the objects and advantages of theinvention have been accomplished with the applicant's invention. Whilethe preferred embodiment has been given by way of illustration only,other constructions and modifications may be constructed within thespirit and scope of the invention. The applicant is not to be limited tothe exact embodiment shown and described.

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. An automatic retractableshade unit for positioning on the inside of an automotive vehiclewindshield having upright windshield posts, the unit designed to preventsolar heat transfer through the windshield while the vehicle isnon-operable and being adaptable for alternately mounting on anotherwindow of the vehicle while the vehicle is operable, if desired,comprising:a. at least one mounting case having positioned thereonmounting means for removably mounting the case in close proximity to oneside of the automotive vehicle windshield post on the inside of thewindshield,(1) the case containing spring bias means for biasing amovement of the shade unit when closed to return to an open positionwhen desired; b. an elongated pleated shade section having oppositesides and faces and having formed thereon on at least one face thereof asolar reflective material, the solar material being positioned for solarreflection to the outside of the automotive vehicle, the shade sectionhaving:(1) one side of the shade section being fixedly attached to themounting case, (2) retractable means having opposite ends and beingpositioned for movement of the pleated shade section and being fixedlyattached on at least one end thereof to the spring bias means; c. ashade stiffener fixedly attached to the other side of the shadesection,(1) the shade stiffener also being fixedly attached to the otherend of the retractable means, (2) the shade stiffener also having formedthereon fastening means for removably fastening the shade stiffener toan adjacent surface when the shade is closed; d. the pleated shadesection permitting the unit to be mounted in proximity to nonparallelwindshield posts thereby allowing the bottom of the shade to expand morethan the top of the shade; e. the mounting means permitting the shadeunit to be removed from the proximity of the windshield as desired forother uses elsewhere in the vehicle during operation of the vehicle; andf. the fastening means permitting the shade unit to be removablyfastened to the other side of the vehicle windshield post if desired andto a similar shade unit positioned on the other side of the windshieldif desired and also another surface elsewhere in the vehicle as desired.2. The shade unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the mounting meanscomprises at least one generally T-shaped mounting fastener havingformed thereon a mounting surface for fixedly attaching the fastener tothe windshield.
 3. The shade unit as defined in claim 2 wherein theT-shaped mounting fastener is fixedly attached to the windshield bydouble-sided adhesive tape.
 4. The shade unit as defined in claim 2wherein the T-shaped mounting fastener is fixedly attached to thewindshield by adhesive.
 5. The shade unit as defined in claim 1 whereinthe mounting means comprise at least two mounting fasteners fixedlyattached to the windshield.
 6. The shade unit as defined in claim 1wherein the spring bias means comprises at least one flat coil springpositioned within a spool which is positioned within the mounting case.7. The shade unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the spring bias meanscomprises at least two flat coil springs, each one positioned within aspool which is positioned within the mounting case.
 8. The shade unit asdefined in claim 1 wherein the retractable means comprises at least onenylon cord positioned within the pleated shade section and through aplurality of holes contained within the pleated section.
 9. The shadeunit as defined in claim 8 wherein the retractable means comprises atleast two nylon cords.
 10. The shade unit as defined in claim 8 whereinthe pleated shade section is formed of a polyester fiber.
 11. The shadeunit as defined in claim 1 wherein the shade stiffener is formed of atleast one section of flexible material.
 12. The shade unit as defined inclaim 1 wherein the shade stiffener is formed of at least two sectionsof flexible material.
 13. The shade unit as defined in claim 11 furthercomprising at least three sections of flexible material being fixedlyattached to a central portion of the stiffener.
 14. The shade unit asdefined in claim 1 wherein the fastening means comprises a loop and hooktype fastener.
 15. The shade unit as defined in claim 1 wherein thefastening means comprises a suction cup.
 16. The shade unit as definedin claim 1 wherein the other side of the shade section and the shadestiffened along with the fastening means, and the other end of theretractable means are sewn together.
 17. In an automotive vehicle shadeunit having a top and a bottom and designed for positioning on theinside of the automotive vehicle windshield in proximity to thewindshield post, and being designed to protect the inside of the vehiclefrom the deleterious effects of solar radiation, the improvementcomprising:a. the shade being formed from a pleated solar reflectivematerial having two sides, and bring fixedly attached on one side to acase; b. the case being removably mounted on at least one side of thevehicle windshield in proximity to the windshield post and havingpositioned therein spring bias means and retractable means for allowingthe pleated shade to be closed so that the bottom of the shade canexpand more than the top of the shade to compensate for nonparallelwindshield posts and for the shade to retract to an open position whendesired; c. the shade having fixedly attached thereto fastening means toremovably fasten the other side of the shade to an adjacent surface asdesired; and d. the removable mounting of the case permitting the casewith the shade attached to be used elsewhere in the vehicle duringoperation of the vehicle, such as positioning the shade unit on anotherwindow of the vehicle.
 18. The improvement as defined in claim 17wherein the pleated solar reflective material is formed of a polyesterfiber.
 19. The shade unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the retractablemeans comprises at least one polyester monofilament cord positionedwithin the pleated shade section and through a plurality of holescontained within the pleated section.
 20. The shade unit as defined inclaim 19 wherein the retractable means comprises at least two polyestermonofilament cords. .Iadd.
 21. An automatic retractable shade unit forpositioning on the inside of an automotive vehicle windshield havingupright windshield posts, the unit designed to prevent solar heattransfer through the windshield while the vehicle is non-operable,comprising:a. at least one mounting case having positioned thereonmounting means for mounting the case in close proximity to one side ofthe automotive vehicle windshield post on the inside of the windshield,(1) the case containing spring bias means for biasing a movement of theshade unit when closed to return to an open position when desired; b. anelongated pleated shade section having opposite sides and faces andhaving formed thereon on at least one face thereof a solar reflectivematerial, the solar material being positioned for solar reflection tothe outside of the automotive vehicle, the shade section having:(1) oneside of the shade section being fixedly attached to the mounting case,(2) retractable means having opposite ends and being positioned formovement of the pleated shade section and being fixedly attached on atleast one end thereof to the spring bias means; c. a shade stiffenerfixedly attached to the other side of the shade section,(1) the shadestiffener also being fixedly attached to the other end of theretractable means, (2) the shade stiffener also having formed thereonfastening means for removably fastening the shade stiffener to anadjacent surface when the shade is closed; d. the pleated shade sectionpermitting the unit to be mounted in proximity to nonparallel windshieldposts thereby allowing the bottom of the shade to expand more than thetop of the shade; and e. the fastening means permitting the shade unitto be removably fastened to the other side of the vehicle windshieldpost if desired and to a similar shade unit positioned on the other sideof the windshield if desired. .Iaddend. .Iadd.22. The shade unit asdefined in claim 21 wherein the mounting means comprises at least onegenerally T-shaped mounting fastener having formed thereon a mountingsurface for fixedly attaching the fastener to the windshield, andwherein said mounting means permits the unit to be removed from theproximity of the windshield for other uses elsewhere in the vehicleduring operation of the vehicle. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
 3. In an automotivevehicle shade unit having a top and a bottom and designed forpositioning on the inside of the automotive vehicle windshield inproximity to the windshield post, and being designed to protect theinside of the vehicle from the deleterious effects of solar radiation,the improvement comprising:a. the shade being formed from a pleatedsolar reflective material having two sides, and being fixedly attachedon one side to a case; b. the case being mounted on at least one side ofthe vehicle windshield in proximity to the windshield post and havingpositioned therein spring bias means and retractable means for allowingthe pleated shade to be closed so that the bottom of the shade canexpand more than the top of the shade to compensate for nonparallelwindshield posts and for the shade to retract to an open position whendesired; and c. the shade having fixedly attached thereto fasteningmeans to removably fasten the other side of the shade to an adjacentsurface as desired. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The improvement as defined inclaim 23 wherein the pleated solar reflective material is formed of apolyester fiber. .Iaddend.